Information processing device, information processing method, and distributed component

ABSTRACT

Disclosed are an information processing device, information processing method, and a distributed component. The information processing device according to one embodiment comprises one or more processors. The processor is configured to generate a distributed component aimed at a three dimensional printing task. The distributed component is used for controlling, independent of the information processing device, execution of the three dimensional printing task after establishing a connection with a user equipment, and comprises decryption information of three dimensional model data used for the three dimensional printing task. The processor is further configured to control the arrangement of the distributed component to the user equipment.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a national stage (under 35 U.S.C. 371) ofInternational Patent Application No. PCT/CN2017/072475, filed Jan. 24,2017, claiming priority to Chinese Patent Application No.201610079736.1, filed Feb. 4, 2016, both of which are hereinincorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to information processing, andin particular to an information processing apparatus, an informationprocessing method and a distributed component which are related tothree-dimensional printing.

BACKGROUND

A three-dimensional (3D) printer is a machine of accumulated manufacturetechnology, i.e., rapid forming technology. Based on a digital modelfile and by using adhesive material such as special wax, and powderedmetal or plastic, the three dimensional printer manufactures a threedimensional object by printing the adhesive material layer by layer.

Modeling is an important step of the 3D printing. A model may bedesigned with, for example, computer-aided design (CAD), or anelectronic model prototype may be directly generated by scanning anexisting object and then corrected with auxiliary design software.

SUMMARY

A design process of a 3D model for 3D printing is a link needing anintellectual property protection. In other words, the property of adesigned original work should be protected. Certain information securityprotection measures are needed for the designed work itself, atransmission link and a print link, to avoid the work from being copiedmaliciously, printed arbitrarily and the like. However, in a service ofproving the 3D model remotely, files of the 3D model are uncontrollableonce being downloaded to a local electronic device, and may bearbitrarily copied and printed.

Brief summary of embodiments of the present disclosure is givenhereinafter, to provide basic understanding for certain aspects of thepresent disclosure. It should be understood that, the summary is notexhaustive summary of the present disclosure. The summary is notintended to determine key parts or important parts of the presentdisclosure, and is not intended to limit the scope of the presentdisclosure. An object of the summary is only to give some concepts ofthe present disclosure in a simplified form, as preamble of the detaileddescription later.

An information processing apparatus is provided according to anembodiment. The information processing apparatus includes at least oneprocessor. The processor is configured to generate a distributedcomponent for a three dimensional printing task. The distributedcomponent is configured to control execution of the three dimensionalprinting task independently of the information processing apparatusafter establishing connection with a user equipment, and the distributedcomponent contains decryption information with respect to threedimensional model data for the three dimensional printing task. Theprocessor is further configured to control deployment of the distributedcomponent to the user equipment.

An information processing method is provided according to an embodiment.The information processing method includes: generating a distributedcomponent for a three dimensional printing task, where the distributedcomponent is configured to control execution of the three dimensionalprinting task independently of an information processing apparatus afterestablishing connection with a user equipment, and the distributedcomponent contains decryption information with respect to threedimensional model data for the three dimensional printing task; andcontrolling deployment of the distributed component to the userequipment.

An information processing apparatus is provided according to anembodiment. The information processing apparatus includes at least oneprocessor. The processor is configured to control acquisition of adistributed component, deployed by a server end, for a three dimensionalprinting task. The distributed component is configured to controlexecution of the three dimensional printing task independently of aserver after establishing connection with a user equipment, and thedistributed component contains decryption information with respect tothree dimensional model data for the three dimensional printing task.The processor is further configured to operate the distributed componentto control a three dimensional printing apparatus associated with theinformation processing apparatus to execute the three dimensionalprinting task.

An information processing method is provided according to an embodiment.The method includes: controlling acquisition of a distributed component,deployed by a server end, for a three dimensional printing task, wherethe distributed component is configured to control execution of thethree dimensional printing task independently of a server afterestablishing connection with a user equipment, and the distributedcomponent contains decryption information with respect to threedimensional model data for the three dimensional printing task; andoperating the distributed component to control a three dimensionalprinting apparatus associated with an information processing apparatusto execute the three dimensional printing task.

A computer-implemented distributed component is provided according to anembodiment. The computer-implemented distributed component is deployedfrom a server end to a user equipment for a three dimensional printingtask. The distributed component includes: a control unit configured tocontrol execution of the three dimensional printing task independentlyof a server after connection is established between the distributedcomponent and the user equipment; and a carrying unit, configured tocarry decryption information with respect to three dimensional modeldata for the three dimensional printing task.

With the apparatuses and methods according to the embodiments of thepresent disclosure, the 3D model data can be effectively protected andcan be prevented from being arbitrarily copied and used.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure may be understood better with reference to thedescription given in conjunction with drawings hereinafter. The same orsimilar reference numerals are used to indicate the same or similarcomponents throughout all the drawings. The drawings together with thefollowing detailed description are included in the specification, form apart of the specification, and are used to further illustrate preferredembodiments of the present disclosure and explain principles andadvantages of the present disclosure by examples. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of aninformation processing apparatus according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of aninformation processing apparatus according to another embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a process example of an informationprocessing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a process example of an informationprocessing method according to another embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of aninformation processing apparatus according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a process example of an informationprocessing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of acomputer-implemented distributed component according to an embodiment ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of aninformation processing apparatus according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of aninformation processing apparatus according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an exemplary structure of a computerimplementing a method and an apparatus according to the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an exemplary 3D printing system;

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing an operation process example ofan exemplary 3D printing system;

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary structure of adistributed component;

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing another exemplary structure of adistributed component;

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an exemplary process performed by adistributed component;

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing a functional structure of aninformation processing apparatus at a server end;

FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing a function module structure of anexemplary distributed component;

FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram illustrating a network-based applicationaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram illustrating a network-based applicationaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram illustrating a workflow in anetwork-based application according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary structure of anexemplary distributed component;

FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram showing a system workflow containing anauthentication process for a 3D printing apparatus;

FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram illustrating an authentication processfor a 3D printing apparatus;

FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram illustrating a first exemplaryauthentication process for a 3D printing apparatus;

FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram illustrating a workflow of a firstexemplary authentication process;

FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram illustrating a second exemplaryauthentication process for the 3D printing apparatus;

FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram illustrating a workflow of the secondexemplary authentication process;

FIG. 28 is a schematic diagram illustrating a third exemplaryauthentication process for the 3D printing apparatus; and

FIG. 29 is a schematic diagram illustrating a workflow of the thirdexemplary authentication process.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter embodiments of the present disclosure are described withreference to the drawings. Elements and features described in onedrawing or one embodiment of the present disclosure may be combined withelements and features described in one or more other drawings orembodiments. It should be noted that, indication and description ofcomponents and processing which are not related to the presentdisclosure or well known for those skilled in the art are omitted in thedrawings and illustrations for clearness.

As shown in FIG. 1, a wireless communication apparatus 100 according toan embodiment includes a processor 110. The processor 110 includes ageneration unit 111 and a control unit 113. It should be noted that,although the generation unit 111 and the control unit 113 are shown asfunctional blocks in the drawing, it should be understood that functionsof the generation unit 111 and the control unit 113 may be implementedby the processor 110 as a whole, and are not necessarily implemented bydiscrete actual components in the processor 110. In addition, althoughthe processor 110 is shown by one block, the communication apparatus 100may include multiple processors. The functions of the generation unit111 and the control unit 113 may be distributed onto the multipleprocessors, and thus the multiple processors cooperate to perform thefunctions.

The generation unit 111 is configured to generate a distributedcomponent for a three-dimensional printing task. The distributedcomponent is configured to control execution of the three dimensionalprinting task independent of the information processing apparatus 100after establishing connection with a user equipment, and the distributedcomponent contains decryption information with respect to threedimensional model data for the three dimensional printing task.

The decryption information may be contained in the distributed componentin multiple manners. For example, according to an embodiment, thegeneration unit 111 may be configured to embed a decryption key and adecryption algorithm for the three dimensional model data into executioncodes of the distributed component in a white-box cryptography manner.

The control unit 113 is configured to control deployment of thedistributed component to the user equipment.

The information processing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment maybe implemented as a server-end apparatus. For example, the informationprocessing apparatus 100 may correspond to a server 1110 in an exampleshown in FIG. 11, alternatively, the information processing apparatus100 may be deployed at the server end.

A hardware platform for implementing the information processingapparatus 100 at the server end may be a server cluster based on cloudcalculation, a general-purpose server, or a home computer configured asa network server. For example, a server-end functionality may beprovided to the external in a network service mode, such as website, orin a client/server (C/S) mode in which case the distributed componentmay be provided to the user equipment as client software.

The distributed component may be called as a dynamic proxy in somescenarios. When being deployed to the user equipment and operated by theuser equipment, the distributed component as a control deviceimplemented by the user equipment (such as a distributed component 1120shown in FIG. 11) controls a three dimensional printing task executed bya three dimensional printing apparatus (such as a 3D printing apparatus1130 shown in FIG. 11) associated with the user equipment. The userequipment may include various types of information processingapparatuses at a user end, for example, includes but is not limited to apersonal computer (such as desktops and laptops), a smart phone, atablet computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA) and the like. Aconfiguration example of the distributed component is described inconjunction with embodiments hereinafter.

In order to better understand an implementation of the informationprocessing apparatus according to the embodiment of the presentdisclosure, an example of a workflow between the server end, the userequipment end (distributed component) and the 3D printing apparatus endwill be described in conjunction with FIG. 12. It should be understoodthat, the embodiment of the present disclosure may not include someprocessing of the following example, and the present disclosure is notlimited to details shown in the following example.

As shown in FIG. 12, in S1210, a server 1210 creates a distributedcomponent and an encrypted print file based on a print authorization,and issues the distributed component to a user equipment. The userequipment provided with the distributed component is indicated by 1220.

In S1220, the distributed component 1220 detects a 3D printing apparatus1230 connected to the user equipment end and may acquire apparatusinformation.

In S1230, the distributed component 1220 uploads the apparatusinformation to the server 1210.

In S1240, if necessary, the server 1210 may issue a driver,configuration parameters and the like to the distributed component 1220based on the apparatus information. If the distributed component 1220can directly process an encrypted file, then only an encrypted 3D modelfile or an encrypted slice file may be issued.

In S1250, the distributed component 1220 decrypts an encrypted printdata file, and controls execution of a printing task. As described belowin conjunction with embodiments, 3D print data may be sliced at the userequipment end, and a 3D printer is driven to complete the printing.

In S1260, a 3D printer completes a printing of a 3D model.

In S1270, the distributed component 1220 may feed printing informationback to the server 1210, and the server 1210 may perform a correspondingrecord.

In S1280, the server 1210 initiates a clear instruction.

In S1290, the distributed component 1220 clears the print file and maycomplete a self-destruction.

In order to facilitate understanding an implementation of the embodimentof the present disclosure, FIG. 18 and FIG. 19 show examples ofnetwork-based application, and FIG. 20 shows an example of a workflow ina network-based application.

As shown in FIG. 18, a user 1810 accesses a server 1830 via a networksuch as the Internet 1820. The server 1830 distributes a distributedcomponent 1840 via the network, and the distributed component 1840controls a 3D printer 1850.

Referring to FIG. 19, in S1902, a user 1910 may acquire a printauthorization credential or token from a server 1920.

In S1904, the user 1910 may login the server 1920 for a printing, andrequest to start the printing with the print authorization credential ortoken.

In S1906, the server 1920 may generate and issue a distributed component1930 and transmit 3D model data.

In S1908, the distributed component 1930 controls a 3D printer 1940 tocomplete a 3D printing task.

FIG. 20 shows an example of a processing flow in an exemplary scenariowhere the information processing apparatus according to the embodimentof the present disclosure operates as a network 3D printing platform. Itshould be noted that, a hardware platform implementing the informationprocessing apparatus may be a server cluster based on cloud calculation,a general-purpose server, a personal computer cluster or the like.

In S2002, a user 2010, such as an electronic device accessing theInternet via a personal computer, remotely connects to a server 2020 viaa browser or an application.

In S2004, the user 2010 logins the server, browses and searches for a 3Dmodel file having been stored in the server 2020, to find a 3D model tobe printed and obtain a print authorization credential and a distributedcomponent 2030. In addition, a transaction link may be contained in theabove process if a paid service is involved. The user 2010 may operatethe distributed component 2030 via an apparatus connected to a local 3Dprinter, to start up printing.

In S2006, for example, the process from S1220 to S1290 described inconjunction with FIG. 12 in the above may be performed.

In S2008, the user obtains the printed 3D models by consuming the printcredential of the user. In addition, the server end may record andprocess accordingly.

It should be noted that the embodiment of the present disclosure is notlimited to be serving as a network (such as, commercial) 3D printingplatform, but may also serve as a personal 3D printing platform of theuser.

In a case that the invention serves as the personal 3D printing platformof the user, the information processing apparatus according to theembodiment of the present disclosure may be implemented as a homecomputer configured as a server.

For example, the user may control a three dimensional printing task on acomputer of the user in the following exemplary way.

The user opens software (or via the browser or application) to run aservice function.

The user logins the software, browses and searches for a 3D model filehaving been stored in the computer, to find out a 3D model to beprinted.

The user selects a printing function, and the system automaticallyallocates a print credential to the user. No transaction occurs in suchexemplary scenario since the apparatus and the file are both private forthe user. Server software generates a corresponding distributedcomponent, and the distributed component is started to operate on alocal machine (computer). Communication between the server software andthe distributed component may be communication between differentprocesses or communication between different threads. The distributedcomponent obtains encrypted 3D model data from the server software,decrypts the encrypted 3D model data and drive a 3D printer to completethe printing.

After the printing is completed, the distributed component may clearcaches, temporary files and the like on the local computer related tothe printing task. Finally, the distributed component may accomplish aself-clearing.

Moreover, it may be also conceived a scenario where the user remotelyconnects the computer of the user to complete the 3D printing.Specifically, the user may use at offsite a computer or other electronicdevices connected to the Internet, remotely connect a self-designed webserver (personal computer) via a browser or an application, and findsout a 3D model to be printed, and further complete a 3D printing taskwith the distributed component with a similar process.

In addition, the following exemplary application scenarios may befurther conceived. If the user has no available local 3D printer, theuser may choose to print with other online and available 3D printersprovided at the server end. After the printing is completed, the printed3D model may be transferred to the user in an express delivery or postmanner.

The distributed component obtained by the user is electronic informationwhich can be copied and transferred. When operating for printing, thedistributed component may automatically connect to a remote server tocomplete print authorization verification and perform the printing.

It should be understood that, the embodiment of the present disclosureis not limited to the details of the above examples.

According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the execution ofthe three dimensional printing task is controlled by the distributedcomponent, and the distributed component carries decryption informationwith respect to 3D model data for the three dimensional printing task.The 3D model data can be effectively protected since the 3D model datais securely transmitted from the server end to the user equipment end byusing the distributed component.

Next, a configuration example of an information processing apparatusaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure is described byreferring to FIG. 2. Similar to the above embodiment, the informationprocessing apparatus according to the embodiment also corresponds to theserver end.

As shown in FIG. 2, the information processing apparatus according tothe embodiment includes a processor 210. The processor 210 includes ageneration unit 211, a control unit 213 and a processing unit 215. Thegeneration unit 211 has a similar configuration to the generation unit111 described with reference to FIG. 1, the details of the generationunit 211 are not repeated here.

The processing unit 215 is configured to process three dimensional modeldata for a three dimensional printing task. In addition to controldeployment of a distributed component generated by the generation unit211 to the user equipment, the control unit 213 is further configured tocontrol transmission of the three dimensional model data processed bythe processing unit 215 to the user equipment.

According to an embodiment, the three dimensional model data includesprimary model data and secondary model data, and the generation unit 211may be configured to arrange the secondary model data into the generateddistributed component uniquely. Accordingly, the processing unit 215 maybe configured to process the three dimensional model data to betransmitted to the user equipment to be the primary model data.

In other words, according to the embodiment, the distributed componentmay carry a portion of 3D model data by itself, and the 3D model dataissued to the user equipment end is incomplete and needs to besupplemented by the distributed component to form actually available 3Dmodel data. With the configuration, the 3D model data can be furtherprotected from arbitrary copy and utilization.

In addition, the process on the three dimensional model data performedby the processing unit 215 is not limited to this. For example,according to an embodiment, the processing unit 215 may be configured toencrypt the three dimensional model data or slice data obtained from thethree dimensional model data, and/or perform a fragmentization processand an obfuscation process on the three dimensional model data or theslice data. Accordingly, the generated distributed component may furthercontain a recovery algorithm corresponding to the obfuscation process inthe case that the obfuscation process is performed on the threedimensional model data.

Generally, the 3D model data needs to be processed into slice data forprinting. For example, the 3D model source code file format for exampleincludes STL and AMF, and the slice file generated in a pre-processingbefore the printing is generally a Gcode file, which is a set ofprinting instructions. Taking the STL model file as an example, theslicing process needs to be performed based on parameters of a 3Dprinter, such as temperature, speed, filling rate and thickness, toconvert the file into Gcode codes (G codes are for controlling theprinting of the 3D printer) run by a control apparatus.

According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the slice datamay be generated at the server end or may be generated by thedistributed component at the user equipment end. Next, exemplaryembodiments under these two cases are respectively described.

According to an embodiment, the distributed component generated andarranged to the user equipment by the information processing apparatus200 is configured to acquire a parameter of a three dimensional printingapparatus associated with the user equipment, and control transmissionof the parameter to the information processing apparatus 200.Accordingly, the processing unit 215 may be further configured toprocess the three dimensional model data into slice data based on theparameter. In addition, the generation unit 211 may be furtherconfigured to generate printing configuration information based on theparameter. Moreover, the control unit 213 may be configured to controltransmission of the slice data obtained by the processing unit 215 andthe printing configuration information generated by the generation unit211 to the distributed component at the user equipment to control theexecution of the three dimensional printing task. In the embodiment, theslice data is generated at the server end, and the parameter of the 3Dprinting apparatus is provided to the server end by the distributedcomponent for generating the slice data.

According to an embodiment, the slice data is generated by thedistributed component at the user equipment end. Accordingly, thegenerated distributed component which is deployed to the user equipmentis configured to acquire a parameter of a three dimensional printingapparatus associated with the user equipment, and process threedimensional model data into slice data based on the acquired parameter.

Besides, in some applications, the user can print the 3D model only ifthe user obtains an authorization. In this case, the authorizationinformation may be carried by the distributed component. According to anembodiment, the generated distributed component may containauthorization information related to three dimensional model data for athree dimensional printing task, and the distributed component may beconfigured to control the execution of the three dimensional printingtask based on the authorization information. The authorizationinformation may include, for example, an identifier of the threedimensional model data, an allowable number of times for printing thethree dimensional model data and a usage time limit of the threedimensional model data. With the configuration, an arbitrary utilizationof a three dimensional model to be protected can be effectivelyprevented.

In addition, according to an embodiment, the generated distributedcomponent may be configured to clear a model file, a slice file, atemporary file and/or cache data for a three dimensional printing task,during the execution of or after completion of the three dimensionalprinting task. With the configuration, a malicious copy of the threedimensional model data can be effectively prevented.

As aforementioned, the information processing apparatus according to theabove embodiment may be implemented as a server. For example, theinformation processing apparatus according to the embodiment of thepresent disclosure may operate as a three dimensional model browsingserver or a three dimensional printing control server. In addition, thethree dimensional model browsing server may include a three dimensionalmodel library and/or a three dimensional model transaction interface.

FIG. 16 shows a configuration example of an information processingapparatus implemented as a server. It should be noted that, modulesshown in FIG. 16 only show function units that may be contained in aserver in an example manner, and it is unnecessary for the informationprocessing apparatus according to the embodiment of the presentdisclosure to contain all of the shown function units. In addition, theshown function units may be respectively implemented as single webpages, or may be combined into one or more web pages.

As shown in FIG. 16, the function units contained in the server end forexample may be divided into foreground function units, i.e., userinterface (UI), and background function units.

The foreground function units may include a registration/login unit1614, a 3D model file browsing unit 1616, a print authorizationacquisition unit 1618 and a 3D model file upload interface unit 1620.

The registration/login unit 1614 is configured to accept a registrationfrom a new user, and is used for a registered user to login the system.The function unit may interact with an authentication unit 1602 of thebackground service function.

With the 3D model file browsing unit 1616, a user may browse and selecta 3D model having been imported into the server end.

In a case that a user selects a certain 3D model and wants to print the3D model, the user firstly needs to obtain a print authorization withthe print authorization acquisition unit 1618. The authorization may bebound into the distributed component in an electronic data manner.

The 3D model file upload interface unit 1620 serves as an interface forthe user to import 3D design of the user into the server end.

The background function units may include an authentication unit 1602, abackground file import interface unit 1604, an obfuscation andencryption unit 1606, a 3D model to slice file unit 1612, a 3Dmodel/slice file issue interface unit 1608, a transaction interface unit1610 and a distributed component creation/issue unit 1606.

The authentication unit 1602 is used for a user to login for anauthentication.

For the background file import interface unit 1604, in the case that acloud service or a general-purpose server at the server end providesservice to the external, a large quantity of 3D model files needs to beimported irregularly, the 3D model files may be imported with thebackground function interface in batches instead of being imported viathe foreground upload interface one by one.

The obfuscation and encryption unit 1606 is configured to performoperations such as fragmentization, obfuscation and encryption on a 3Ddata file to be issued.

The 3D model to slice file unit 1612 is configured to convert a 3D modelfile (such as STL and AMF) to be in a slice file format supported by thedistributed component.

For the 3D model/slice file issue interface unit 1608, if thedistributed component contains an effective print authorization, then a3D model file to be printed or a pre-processed slice file is downloadedvia the issue interface, the file may be transmitted in the network in aciphertext form.

If the server end is a business service platform, then transaction mayoccur during a process that the user acquires a print authorization. Inthis case, the transaction interface unit 1610 is configured to completea transaction engagement for the two parties.

For the distributed component creation/issuing unit 1606, a distributedcomponent is generated at the server end in the case that the userobtains the print authorization, in response to a print request of theuser. The distributed component may be bound with the printauthorization obtained by the user. The distributed component is issuedto a local apparatus of the user connected to a local 3D printer tocomplete printing of the 3D model. If the user has no local 3D printer,the printing may also be completed by connecting available 3D printingapparatus nearby via the server.

Besides, in addition to the aforementioned authentication process onuser, an authentication process on 3D printing apparatus may be neededin some applications. In this case, only a specified 3D printingapparatus can be allowed to perform a specified 3D printing task.

The authentication process on 3D printing apparatus may be performed bythe distributed component. According to an embodiment, the distributedcomponent generated by the information processing apparatus (such as aserver) is configured to transfer authentication information between theinformation processing apparatus and the three dimensional printingapparatus, for mutual authentication between the information processingapparatus and the three dimensional printing apparatus.

Based on different authentication methods, the authenticationinformation for example may include a certificate and signatureinformation for a certificate mode, encryption random information orsignature information for an identity public key system mode, orchallenge information, identification information, and auxiliaryinformation for a prefabrication shared key mode.

Next, the authentication process on the 3D printing apparatus isdescribed with examples.

A 3D printing apparatus may have an apparatus identity key, which forexample may be prefabricated in the apparatus at factory, or may beissued and written into the apparatus online by a third party mechanism.The apparatus key may be based on certificate authority (CA) digitalcertificate, may be issued by a key generation center (KGC) of anidentity-based encryption system (IBE), or may be a key available toidentity authentication supported by other cryptographic algorithms.

The information processing apparatus (such as the server) may also havean identity key, and may authorize the distributed component and the 3Dprinting apparatus to perform a bidirectional identity authentication.Specifically, the bidirectional authentication may be performed infollowing exemplary manners.

In manner 1, the distributed component is embedded with signatureinformation based on an identity key of the information processingapparatus in the generation of the distributed component, and thedistributed component completes the bidirectional authentication withthe 3D printing apparatus with the signature information.

In manner 2, in the generation of the distributed component, theinformation processing apparatus gives the distributed component a rightof proxy signature, and the distributed component representing theinformation processing apparatus completes the bidirectionalauthentication with the 3D printing apparatus.

In manner 3, the distributed component may also serve as an intermediateparty for supporting the bidirectional authentication between the 3Dprinting apparatus and the information processing apparatus.

Besides, after performing the bidirectional identity authentication, thedistributed component and the 3D printing apparatus may perform a keynegotiation based on identity key information or authenticationinformation to determine a communication key. After the communicationkey is determined, data is transmitted between the distributed componentand the 3D printing apparatus by being encrypted with the communicationkey, thereby ensuring the security of the data from the distributedcomponent to the 3D printing apparatus.

FIG. 22 shows an example of a workflow of a system containing the aboveauthentication process.

In S2202, the apparatus identity key is initialized. In the example, akey center 2250 provides the key to a server 2220 and a 3D printingapparatus 2240.

In S2204, a user 2210 acquires a print authorization from the server2220 to start printing.

In S2206, the server 2220 generates a distributed component 2230 andissues the distributed component 2230 to a client apparatus.

In S2208, the distributed component 2230 and a 3D printing apparatus2240 perform a mutual authentication.

In S2210, 3D model data is securely issued from the server 2220 to thedistributed component (user equipment end) 2230.

In S2212, the distributed component 2230 controls the 3D printingapparatus 2240 to execute the printing task.

In S2214, after the printing task is completed, the printing data andthe distributed component 2230 are cleared.

In S2216, the user 2210 obtains a printed model.

FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram for generally illustrating aninitialization phase of the mutual authentication between a distributedcomponent and a 3D printing apparatus. As shown in the drawing, a keygeneration center or public key infrastructure/certificate authority(PKI/CA) 2310 generates an identity key/apparatus key or digitalcertificate (public key or private key), and issues the generatedidentity key/apparatus key or digital certificate to a server 2320 and a3D printing apparatus 2330.

The identity key for example may be distributed in the initializationphase in the following key management modes: a certificate(PKI/CA)-based mode; an identity public key system (IBE)-based mode; andan apparatus prefabrication shared key (PSK)-based mode.

Hereinafter, the mutual authentication process between the distributedcomponent and the 3D printer according to the embodiment of the presentdisclosure is described respectively based on these three exemplary keymanagement modes.

In the certificate-based mode, as shown in FIG. 24, a certificateauthority (CA) 2410 issues a digital certificate to a server 2420 and a3D printing apparatus 2430 in the initialization phase. During theauthentication, CA 2410 as a trusted third party is configured to verifythe validity of the certificate.

FIG. 25 shows an example of a workflow in the certificate-based mode.

{circle around (1)} a distributed component 2530 connects to a 3Dprinting apparatus 2540 to initiate an authentication.

{circle around (2)} the 3D printing apparatus 2540 sends both signatureinformation and a certificate to the distributed component 2530.

{circle around (3)} the distributed component 2530 forwards thecertificate and the signature information of the 3D printing apparatus2540 to a server 2520.

{circle around (4)} the server 2520 sends a certificate of the server2520 and the certificate of the 3D printing apparatus 2540 together to aCA 2510 for certificate verification, and the CA 2510 verifies thevalidities of the certificates of both the server 2520 and the 3Dprinting apparatus 2540.

{circle around (5)} the CA 2510 returns correct response informationafter the verification.

{circle around (6)} if the certificate of the 3D printing apparatus isvalid, the server 2520 sends the verification result of verifying thecertificate of the server by the CA 2510 to the distributed component2530.

{circle around (7)} the distributed component 2530 returns theverification result of verifying the certificate of the server by the CA2510 to the 3D printing apparatus 2540, and the verification iscompleted.

In the case that the identity authentication is successful, thedistributed component 2530 may perform a key negotiation with the 3Dprinting apparatus 2540. Then, data to be communicated between thedistributed component 2530 and the 3D printing apparatus 2540 isencrypted with the negotiated key.

In the identity public key system-based mode, as shown in FIG. 26, a keygeneration center (KGC) 2610 generates a key pair (PK=ID, SK) based onan identity ID of a server 2620 and an identity ID of a 3D printingapparatus 2630 in the initialization phase. The key pair is bound withthe IDs. In an identity public key system, ID may serve as a public keyPK, such as identity number and email address.

The identity public key system is simplified as compared with thecertificate-based authentication, since a private key is bound with anidentity and no certificate is needed. Hence, a relationship between theidentity and the key is verified via a third party trusted platform.

FIG. 27 shows an example of a workflow in the mode.

{circle around (1)} a server 2710 encrypts random information with anidentity public key ID_(3D) of 3D printing, and sends the encryptedinformation to a distributed component 2720 via a secure channel.

{circle around (2)} the distributed component 2720 forwards theencrypted random information to a 3D printing apparatus 2730, and the 3Dprinting apparatus 2730 decrypts the obtained random information with anidentity private key SK_(3D).

{circle around (3)} the 3D printing apparatus 2730 encrypts the randominformation with an identity public key IDs of the server 2710 andreturns the encrypted information to the distributed component 2720.

{circle around (4)} the distributed component 2720 returns the encryptedrandom information to the server 2710 via the secure channel. The server2710 decrypts the obtained random information with an identity privatekey SK_(Srv). If the decrypted random information is the same as therandom information before, then the identity authentication issuccessful.

The random information may serve as a communication encryption key. Forexample, the server 2710 sends random information to the distributedcomponent 2720 via the secure channel, and data transmission between thedistributed component 2720 and the 3D printing apparatus 2730 isencrypted with the random information.

Of course, in view of secure communication, in the above process flow, asignature of the sender for communication information may be added, anda receiver can determine a real identity of an actual sender. That is,the encrypted random information is sent together with a digitalsignature for the information. The digital signature is obtained by thesender based on an identity private key of the sender and a signaturealgorithm. By adding the signature, an attack from an intermediateparty, that is, a listener is arranged between the distributed componentand the 3D printing apparatus to forge communication contents, can beeffectively resisted.

On the other hand, in the case that the random information is not usedas a decryption key, after the identity authentication is successful,the distributed component 2720 may perform a key negotiation with the 3Dprinting apparatus 2730, and data in the communication between thedistributed component 2720 and the 3D printing apparatus 2730 isencrypted with the negotiated key.

In the apparatus prefabrication shared key-based mode, as shown in FIG.28, a key management center 2810 is configured to generate an apparatusprimary key in the initialization phase. The key may be imported to a 3Dprinting apparatus 2830 by an apparatus fabricator or in an onlinemanner. The primary key is the unique identity key of the 3D printingapparatus.

In communication, the server 2820 acquires a communication encryptionkey EK deduced based on the apparatus primary key, based on ID_(3D) andother auxiliary information via the key management center 2810.

FIG. 29 shows an example of a workflow in the mode.

{circle around (1)} a distributed component 2930 connects a 3D printingapparatus 2940 and sends challenge information to the 3D printingapparatus 2940.

{circle around (2)} the 3D printing apparatus 2940 sends ID_(3D)information and other auxiliary information to the distributed component2930. Meanwhile, the 3D printing apparatus 2940 deduces an encryptionkey EK based on its apparatus primary key, received challengeinformation and auxiliary information sent by itself, by using a presetspecified algorithm.

{circle around (3)} the distributed component 2930 forwards thechallenge information, ID_(3D) information and other auxiliaryinformation to a server 2920.

{circle around (4)} the server 2920 sends the challenge information,ID_(3D) information and other auxiliary information to a key managementcenter 2910 via a secure channel, to request an encryption key forcommunication with the 3D printing apparatus 2940.

{circle around (5)} the key management center 2910 deduces an encryptionkey EK based on a prestored apparatus primary key corresponding toID_(3D), and received challenge information, ID_(3D) information andother auxiliary information, by using a specified algorithm, and returnsthe EK to the server 2920 via the secure channel.

{circle around (6)} the server 2920 securely issues the EK to thedistributed component 2930. In this case, the EK can be used by thedistributed component 2930 and the 3D print apparatus 2940.

It should be noted that, the mutual authentication in the embodiment ofthe present disclosure is not limited to the details in the aboveexamples.

FIG. 21 shows an example of a structure of a distributed component. Inthe example, a distributed component 2100 includes one-way interfaces2110 and 2160, a 3D file reader 2120, a 3D file key verifier 2130, a 3Dfile decryption trigger 2140 and a clearer 2150. The one-way interface2110 is configured to receive a 3D file. The 3D file reader 2120 isconfigured to read (and not store) the 3D file. The 3D file key verifier2130 is configured to perform verification operations related to printauthorization. The 3D file decryption trigger 2140 is configured totrigger to decrypt the 3D file. The clearer 2150 is configured to clearprocess data during the execution of or after completion of theprinting, and can delete the distributed component itself after theprinting. The one-way interface 2160 is configured to output a printinstruction to the 3D printing apparatus. Optionally, the distributedcomponent 2100 may further include a two-way interface 2170. The two-wayinterface 2170 is configured to, for example, connect the 3D file keyverifier 2130 in an administrator mode to update the key, and connectthe 3D file decryption trigger 2140 in a certain case for automaticclearing and unlock. The automatic clearing and unlock indicates that,in some cases, the distributed component can be unlocked and reused, or,the distributed component can be used in another printing task period byonly updating the key portion. For example, a user bought a same 3Dmodel fractionatedly in a 3D printing sequence, or a user has a printauthorization of printing a certain 3D model for unlimited times.

In the above description of the information processing apparatus at theserver end according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, someprocesses and methods are disclosed apparently. Subsequently, aninformation processing method at the server end according to anembodiment of the present disclosure is described without repeating thedetails described above.

As shown in FIG. 3, an information processing method according to anembodiment includes steps.

In step S310, a distributed component for a three dimensional printingtask is generated. The distributed component is configured to controlexecution of the three dimensional printing task independently of aninformation processing apparatus after establishing connection with auser equipment, and the distributed component contains decryptioninformation with respect to three dimensional model data for the threedimensional printing task.

In step S320, the distributed component is controlled to be deployed tothe user equipment.

The information processing method according to an embodiment furtherincludes process on the three dimensional model data.

As shown in FIG. 4, an information processing method according to anembodiment includes following steps.

In step S410, a distributed component for a three dimensional printingtask is generated.

In step S420, the distributed component is controlled to be deployed tothe user equipment.

In step S430, three dimensional model data for the three dimensionalprinting task is processed.

In step S440, the processed three dimensional model data is controlledto be transmitted to the user equipment.

In the above, embodiments of the information processing apparatus andinformation processing method at the server end are described. Theembodiments of the present disclosure further include informationprocessing apparatus and information processing method at a userequipment end.

As shown in FIG. 5, an information processing apparatus 500 according toan embodiment includes at least one processor 510. The processor 510includes a control unit 511 and an operating unit 513.

The control unit 511 is configured to control acquisition of adistributed component, deployed by a server end, for a three dimensionalprinting task. The distributed component is configured to controlexecution of the three dimensional printing task independent of a serverafter establishing connection with the user equipment, and thedistributed component contains decryption information with respect tothree dimensional model data for the three dimensional printing task.

The operating unit 513 is configured to operate the received distributedcomponent to control a three dimensional printing apparatus associatedwith the information processing apparatus 500 to execute the threedimensional printing task.

According to an embodiment, the information processing apparatus 500operates as the user equipment.

Accordingly, FIG. 6 shows an information processing method applied to auser equipment end. As shown in FIG. 6, an information processing methodaccording to an embodiment includes the following steps.

In step S610, of a distributed component, deployed by a server end, fora three dimensional printing task is acquired. The distributed componentis configured to control execution of the three dimensional printingtask independent of a server after establishing connection with the userequipment, and the distributed component contains decryption informationwith respect to three dimensional model data for the three dimensionalprinting task.

In step S620, the distributed component is operated to control a threedimensional printing apparatus associated with the informationprocessing apparatus to execute the three dimensional printing task.

In addition, the embodiment of the present disclosure further includesthe above distributed component. FIG. 7 shows a configuration example ofa distributed component implemented by a computer according to anembodiment. The distributed component is configured from a server end toa user equipment, for a three dimensional printing task.

As shown in FIG. 7, a distributed component 700 includes a control unit710 and a carrying unit 720.

The control unit 710 is configured to control execution of a threedimensional printing task independent of a server after connection isestablished between the distributed component 700 and the userequipment.

The carrying unit 720 is configured to carry decryption information withrespect to three dimensional model data for the three dimensionalprinting task.

According to an embodiment, the control unit 710 is further configuredto control authentication information transfer between the userequipment and the three dimensional printing apparatus, for a mutualauthentication between the user equipment and the three dimensionalprinting apparatus.

According to an embodiment, the three dimensional model data for thethree dimensional printing task includes primary model data andsecondary model data, and the carrying unit 720 is further configured touniquely carry the secondary model data.

According to an embodiment, the control unit 710 is further configure toclear a model file, a slice file, a temporary file and/or cache data forthe three dimensional printing task, during the execution of or aftercompletion of the three dimensional printing task.

According to an embodiment, the control unit 710 is further configuredto perform a recovery process on the three dimensional model datasubjected to an obfuscation process.

Next, a configuration example of a distributed component is describedwith reference to FIG. 17. In the shown example, a distributed component1700 includes a communication module unit 1702, a print file decryptionunit 1704, an obfuscated data extraction unit 1706, a 3D data unit 1708,a clearer 1710, print authorization information 1712, a 3D printingcontrol unit 1714 and a 3D slicing unit 1716.

The communication module unit 1702 is configured to control thedistributed component 1700 to communicate with a server. Thecommunication module unit 1702 for example may contain IP or URLinformation of the server end.

The print file decryption unit 1704 is configured to decrypt 3D printdata downloaded from the server.

The obfuscated data extraction unit 1706 is configured to extract a datablock from obfuscated data in a correct order.

In the generation of the distributed component at the server end, aportion of data to be printed (corresponding to the aforementionedsecondary model data) may be embedded in the 3D data unit 1708. Whencontrolling the printing, the distributed component 1700 may combine theportion of data with primary model data to obtain complete model data.

The clearer 1710 is configured to clear process data, such as cache andtemporary files, during the execution of or after completion of theprinting, and may unload and delete the distributed component after theprinting is completed.

The print authorization information 1712 may carry authorizationinformation on a 3D model corresponding to the 3D printing task.

The 3D printing control unit 1714 is configured to control an associated3D printing apparatus to complete the 3D printing task.

The 3D slicing unit 1716 is configured to slice the 3D model data at theuser equipment.

Processes corresponding to these units are described in the above, ofwhich details are not described here. In addition, the distributedcomponent according to the embodiment of the present disclosure does notnecessarily include all of the above exemplary units.

FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 are schematic diagrams for illustrating arelationship between a distributed component and 3D model data issued bya server end.

In FIG. 13, in addition to a distributed component 1310, it isschematically shown a 3D data file 1321, fragmentized 3D print data1323, obfuscated 3D printed data 1325, encrypted 3D print data 1327 andprimary 3D print data 1329. It should be noted that, the aboveillustration is merely illustrative and not restrictive. In addition, inFIG. 13, an arrow between the encrypted data 1327 and the print filedecryption unit represents that a decryption process of the distributedcomponent 1310 corresponds to an encryption process for the encrypteddata 1327, instead of representing that the distributed component 1310carries the encrypted data 1327. Similarly, an arrow between theobfuscated data 1325 and the obfuscated data extraction unit representsthat an obfuscated data extraction process of the distributed component1310 corresponds to an obfuscation process for the obfuscated data 1325,instead of representing that the distributed component 1310 carries theobfuscated data 1325.

At the server end, a fragmentization process is performed on the 3D datafile 1321 to obtain the data 1323, an obfuscation process is performedon the data 1323 to obtain the data 1325. The obfuscation process is toshuffle the order of data randomly according a certain rule, which maybe controlled by a specified algorithm, for example, the order isadjusted based on row and column of a matrix. An encryption process isperformed on the data 1325 to obtain the data 1327. A decryption key forexample may be hidden in the distributed component 1310. The server endmay divide the encrypted data 1327 into two portions, with one portionof data being embedded in the distributed component 1310 and the otherportion of data being the data 1329 which is issued separately. Besides,the server end may also package the encrypted print file 1329 and thedistributed component 1310 and then issues the package to a clientapparatus.

A 3D data file 1421, data 1422, 1423 and 1429 in FIG. 14 are similar tocorresponding parts in FIG. 13. An example shown in FIG. 14 differs fromthe example shown in FIG. 13 in that the division process of the data(1425) is performed before the encryption process of data (1427). Inaddition, multiple alternatives can be conceived by those skilled in theart to process and issue the data. Besides, in FIG. 14, an arrow betweenthe encrypted data 1427 and the print file decryption unit representsthat a decryption process of the distributed component 1410 correspondsto an encryption process for the encrypted data 1427, instead ofrepresenting that the distributed component 1410 carries the encrypteddata 1427. Similarly, an arrow between the obfuscated data 1423 and theobfuscated data extraction unit represents that an obfuscated dataextraction process of the distributed component 1410 corresponds to anobfuscation process for the obfuscated data 1423, instead ofrepresenting that the distributed component 1410 carries the obfuscateddata 1423.

Below, an example of a process performed by a distributed componentafter the distributed component is connected to a user equipment isdescribed with reference to FIG. 15. It should be understood that, thedistributed component according to the embodiment of the presentdisclosure unnecessarily perform all of processes in the example.

In step S1510, a distributed component searches for information on a 3Dprinter connected to a local apparatus, such as the model of theprinter, and sends the information to a server end.

In step S1520, the distributed component receives parameterconfiguration information of the 3D printer and an encrypted print filesent from the server.

In step S1530, the distributed component sets the 3D printer in responseto an instruction (parameter) at the server end, and then decrypts theprint file and drives the 3D printer to complete the printing.

In step S1540, the distributed component clears print processinformation such as cache and temporary files.

In step S1550, the distributed component completes a self-destructionafter the printing is completed.

An embodiment of the present disclosure further includes an informationprocessing apparatus applied at a server end. As shown in FIG. 8, aninformation processing apparatus according to an embodiment includes ageneration device 810 and a control device 820. The generation device810 is configured to generate a distributed component for a threedimensional printing task. The distributed component is configured tocontrol execution of the three dimensional printing task independent ofthe information processing apparatus after establishing connection witha user equipment. The distributed component contains decryptioninformation with respect to three dimensional model data for the threedimensional printing task. The control device 820 is configured tocontrol deployment of the distributed component to the user equipment.

An embodiment of the present disclosure further includes an informationprocessing apparatus applied at a user equipment end. As shown in FIG.9, an information processing apparatus according to an embodimentincludes a control device 910 and an operating device 920. The controlunit 910 is configured to control acquisition of a distributedcomponent, deployed by a server end, for a three dimensional printingtask. The distributed component is configured to control execution ofthe three dimensional printing task independent of a server afterestablishing connection with a user equipment, and the distributedcomponent contains decryption information with respect to threedimensional model data for the three dimensional printing task. Theoperating device 920 is configured to operate the distributed componentto control a three dimensional printing apparatus associated with theinformation processing apparatus to execute the three dimensionalprinting task.

As an example, various steps of the methods above and various modulesand/or units of the apparatuses above may be implemented as software,firmware, hardware or a combination thereof. In a case of implementingby software or firmware, programs consisting of the software forimplementing the methods above are installed to a computer with adedicated hardware structure (for example a general-purpose computer1000 shown in FIG. 10) from the storage medium or the network. Thecomputer can perform various types of functions when being installedwith various types of programs.

In FIG. 10, a central processing unit (CPU) 1001 performs various typesof processing according to programs stored in a read only memory (ROM)1002 or programs loaded from a storage section 1008 to a random accessmemory (RAM) 1003. Data required when the CPU 1001 performs varioustypes of processing is also stored in the RAM 1003 as needed. The CPU1001, the ROM 1002 and the RAM 1003 are linked to each other via a bus1004. An input/output interface 1005 is also linked to the bus 1004.

The following components are linked to the input/output interface 1005:an input section 1006 (including a keyboard, and a mouse and so on), anoutput section 1007 (including a display, for example a cathode ray tube(CRT) and a liquid crystal display (LCD), and a loudspeaker), a storagesection 1008 (including a hard disk and so on), and a communicationsection 1009 (including a network interface card for example a LAN card,and a modem). The communication section 1009 performs communicationprocessing via a network for example the Internet. A driver 1010 mayalso be linked to the input/output interface 1005 as needed. A removablemedium 1011 for example a magnetic disk, an optical disk, amagnetic-optical disk and a semiconductor memory may be installed on thedriver 1010 as needed, such that computer programs read from theremovable medium 1011 are installed on the storage section 1008 asneeded.

In a case of performing the series of processing described above bysoftware, programs consisting of the software are installed from thenetwork such as the Internet or the storage medium such as the removablemedium 1011.

Those skilled in the art should understand that the storage medium isnot limited to the removable medium 1011 shown in FIG. 10 which storesprograms and is distributed separately from the device to provide theprograms to the user. Examples of the removable medium 1011 include: amagnetic disk (including a floppy disk (registered trademark)), anoptical disk (including a compact disk read only memory (CD-ROM) and adigital versatile disk (DVD)), a magnetic-optical disk (including a minidisk (MD) (registered trademark)), and a semiconductor memory.Alternatively, the storage medium may be a hard disk included in the ROM1002 and the storage section 1008 which stores programs. The storagemedium and the device including the storage medium are togetherdistributed to the user.

A program product storing machine readable instruction codes is furtherprovided according to the embodiments of the present disclosure. Whenthe instruction codes are read and executed by a machine, the abovemethod according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can beperformed.

Accordingly, a storage medium for carrying the program product storingthe machine readable instruction codes is further provided according tothe present disclosure. The storage medium includes but is not limitedto a floppy disk, an optical disk, a magnetic-optical disk, a storagecard and a memory stick and so on.

In the description of specific embodiments of the present disclosureabove, features described and/or illustrated for one embodiment may beused in one or more other embodiments in the same or similar manner,combined with features in other embodiments, or substitute for featuresin other embodiments.

It should be noted that, terms “including/comprising” used herein referto existing of features, elements, steps or components, withoutexcluding existence or addition of one or more other features, elements,steps or components.

In the above embodiments and examples, reference numerals consisting ofnumbers are used to indicate various steps and/or units. Those skilledin the art should understand that the reference numerals are used tofacilitate describing and drawing, and are not intended to indicate anorder or limit in any way.

In addition, the method according to the present disclosure is notlimited to be performed in a time order described in the description,and may be performed in other time orders, in parallel or independently.Therefore, the order in which the method described in the description isperformed does not limit the technical scope of the present disclosure.

Although the present disclosure is disclosed by the description ofspecific embodiments of the present disclosure above, it should beunderstood that all the embodiments and examples described above areonly schematic and are not intended to limit. For those skilled in theart, various changes, improvements or equivalents may be designed forthe present disclosure within the spirit and scope of the appendedclaims. The changes, improvements or equivalents should be regarded asfalling within the protection scope of the present disclosure.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An information processing apparatus,comprising: processing circuitry configured to generate a distributedcomponent for a three dimensional (3D) printing task, wherein thedistributed component includes decryption information with respect to 3Dmodel data for the 3D printing task, the 3D model data including primarymodel data and secondary model data, and an interface to communicatewith a user equipment, and the distributed component is configured tocontrol execution of the 3D printing task independently of theinformation processing apparatus after establishing connection with theuser equipment via the interface; and control deployment of thedistributed component to the user equipment, wherein the processingcircuitry generates the distributed component by uniquely arranging thesecondary model data in the distributed component, and in controllingthe deployment of the distributed content to the user equipment, theprocessing circuitry makes the 3D model data be the primary model data.2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, whereinthe processing circuitry is further configured to: process the 3D modeldata for the 3D printing task; and control transmission of the processed3D model data to the user equipment.
 3. The information processingapparatus according to claim 2, wherein the distributed component isconfigured to: acquire a parameter of a 3D printing apparatus associatedwith the user equipment, and control transmission of the parameter tothe information processing apparatus, and the processing circuitry isfurther configured to: process the 3D model data into slice data basedon the parameter, generate printing configuration information based onthe parameter, and control transmission of the slice data and theprinting configuration information to the distributed component at theuser equipment to control the execution of the 3D printing task.
 4. Theinformation processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein thedistributed component is further configured to: acquire a parameter of a3D printing apparatus associated with the user equipment; and processthe 3D model data into slice data based on the acquired parameter. 5.The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein theprocessing circuitry processes the 3D model data by: encrypting the 3Dmodel data or slice data obtained from the 3D model data; and/orperforming a fragmentization process and an obfuscation process on the3D model data or the slice data.
 6. The information processing apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the processing circuitry generates thedistributed component by embedding a decryption key and a decryptionalgorithm for the 3D model data into execution codes of the distributedcomponent in a white-box cryptography manner.
 7. The informationprocessing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the distributedcomponent further includes authorization information related to the 3Dmodel data, and the distributed component is further configured tocontrol the execution of the 3D printing task based on the authorizationinformation.
 8. The information processing apparatus according to claim7, wherein the authorization information comprises one or more of: anidentifier of the 3D model data; an allowable number of times forprinting the 3D model data; and a usage time limit of the 3D model data.9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, whereinthe distributed component is further configured to clear a model file, aslice file, a temporary file and/or cache data for the 3D printing task,during the execution of or after completion of the 3D printing task. 10.The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein thedistributed component is further configured to transfer authenticationinformation between the information processing apparatus and a 3Dprinting apparatus, for mutual authentication with the 3D printingapparatus.
 11. The information processing apparatus according to claim10, wherein the authentication information comprises: a certificate andsignature information for a certificate mode; encrypted randominformation or signature information for an identity public key systemmode; or challenge information, identification information and auxiliaryinformation for a prefabrication shared key mode.
 12. The informationprocessing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the informationprocessing apparatus operates as a 3D model browse server or a 3Dprinting control server, the 3D model browse server comprises a 3D modellibrary and/or a 3D model transaction interface.
 13. An informationprocessing apparatus, comprising: processing circuitry configured toacquire a distributed component that is deployed by a server end for athree dimensional (3D) printing task, wherein the distributed componentincludes decryption information with respect to 3D model data for the 3Dprinting task, the 3D model data including primary model data andsecondary model data, and an interface to communicate with a userequipment, the distributed component is configured to control executionof the 3D printing task independently of the server after establishingconnection with the user equipment via the interface, the processingcircuitry is further configured to operate the distributed component tocontrol a 3D printing apparatus associated with the informationprocessing apparatus to execute the 3D printing task, the secondarymodel data is uniquely arranged in the distributed component, and indeployment of the distributed content to the user equipment, the 3Dmodel data is made to be the primary model data.
 14. A distributedcomponent deployed from a server end to a user equipment for a threedimensional (3D) printing task, the distributed component comprising: astorage that stores decryption information with respect to 3D model datafor the 3D printing task, the 3D model data including primary model dataand secondary model data; an interface to communicate with the userequipment; and processing circuitry is configured to control executionof the 3D printing task independently of the server after connection isestablished between the distributed component and the user equipment viathe interface, wherein the secondary model data is uniquely arranged inthe distributed component, and in deployment of the distributed contentto the user equipment, the 3D model data is made to be the primary modeldata.
 15. The distributed component according to claim 14, wherein theprocessing circuitry is further configured to: control transfer ofauthentication information between the user equipment and a 3D printingapparatus, for mutual authentication between the user equipment and the3D printing apparatus.
 16. The distributed component according to claim14, wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to clear amodel file, a slice file, a temporary file and/or cache data for the 3Dprinting task, during the execution of or after completion of the 3Dprinting task.
 17. The distributed component according to claim 14,wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to perform arecovery process on the 3D model data subjected to an obfuscationprocess.